You have received this "Personal Services Contractor (PSC)" solicitation through the Department of State (DOS) Internet site. If you have any questions regarding this PSC you may contact the DOS Official named in the cover letter of this solicitation. The number of pages contained in this electronic copy may not exactly correspond to the hard paper copy, although generally all the information is contained herein. The Department is not responsible for any data/text that may not be received when retrieving this document electronically. If the recipient does not notify the contact person that they have obtained this document then any amendments to the document may not be available to the recipients. Amendments to solicitation documents generally contain information critical to the submission of an application. Program Manager-Advisor/(COR), BAGHDAD, IRAQ (3 Positions open) ISSUANCE DATE: 04/25/2008 CLOSING DATE: 05/27/2008 SOLICITATION NUMBER: PSC-08-035 (INL) Gentlemen/Ladies: SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC), Department of State, Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. The United States Government, represented by the Department of State, is seeking proposals (Standard Form 171's or OF 612’s) from U.S. citizens interested in providing the PSC services described in the attached. A. Along with the SF-171 or OF-612, applicants shall provide a resume and three written reference letters including contact information. B. Applicants are also requested to provide their full mailing address (fax, telephone and/or e-mail where applicable). Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Please reference the number of this solicitation when sending your application. Any questions may be directed to Larry S. Parr, Senior Advisor, INL/RM/MS, DOS, who may be reached at FAX No. (202) 776-8686 or E-Mail parrls@state.gov. All applications shall be submitted by e-mail or facsimile and, if necessary, originals may be sent via FEDEX to Larry Parr. They must arrive on time. If sent via courier to: Larry S. Parr, INL/RM/MS, Navy Hill, SA-4 South Department of State 2430 E. Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20520 C. ADDITIONALLY, Late applications shall not be accepted, unless there was a mishandling once received in DOS. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures that accompany their proposals. Please reference the number of this solicitation when sending your application. Sincerely, Mary Pat Hayes-Crow, Contracting Officer 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: PSC-08-035 (INL) 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 04/25/2008 3. CLOSING DATE: 05/27/2008 4. TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 2400 Eastern local time 5. POSITION TITLE: Program Manager Advisor/(COR) 6. MARKET VALUE: FS2 7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: July 2008 - July 2009 (extendable) 8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Baghdad, Iraq 9. JOB DESCRIPTION: See below I. STATEMENT OF DUTIES 1. GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONTRACTOR •This position is located in the Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Office of Resource Management, Afghanistan, Iraq and Jordan Support Division (INL/RM/AIJS). •The incumbent will be assigned to work with a team of professionals, both INL and contract employees, with responsibility for the full range of duties related to a specific project, i.e., security, maintenance, safety and fire protection, design and construction. •The incumbent’s focus will include, but not be restricted to, determining the needs, goals and work plans for myriad multifaceted overseas projects for INL’s present and future post conflict multi-billion dollar programs in civilian police training and elsewhere as assigned. •The position is under the supervision of the Chief of the Afghanistan, Iraq and Jordan Support Division. Duties and Responsibilities •Works closely with Architectural/Engineering firms, and other public and private consulting firms as appropriate, to analyze project needs and to determine and help define and/or document program requirements, activities and functions. Defines project scope, including defining the work requirements, site considerations in the country of operations, client programming needs, access and a variety of other issues associated with the project. Reviews scope of work and determines the schedule and budget required to achieve the goals of the project. Develops work plan and identifies milestones in a master schedule. •Prepares and maintains design and construction project work plans and schedules, including estimate of total project cost, project master schedule, estimates and schedules of required staff and consultant work hour resources, and an estimate and schedule of staff work hours necessary to implement the work plan. Establishes a system to review, control, report and monitor project status for multiple projects within each country of operations to ensure critical paths of each individual project are monitored both individually and as part of the whole, and to ensure the total end results achieve the bureau’s goals. Makes recommendations to senior managers with respect to what portion of the work can be done in-house and what portion will be contracted to A/E firms or other professionals, and develops estimate of those costs and durations, as appropriate. •Utilizes contract methods and types with nonstandard terms and conditions such as price re-determination, urgent delivery requirements, non-standard milestone payment plans, penalty and liquidated damages clauses as appropriate, security classification requirements, extensive special provisions, and/or cost and performance incentive provisions. Locates sources for the products and services needed to complete the provisions of the contract, which includes surveying both domestic and international markets to determine the availability of items or services with specialized requirements, i.e., scarce materials and labor resources or advanced design services peculiar to the project. •Negotiates, liaises, and coordinates as necessary with contracting firms, as well as with other DoS and USG agencies and organizations involved in the project, with regard to the technical and financial terms of the contract, determining the contracting method most appropriate for the particular project to be completed, preparing all required documentation to support the Department’s position, and analyzes all documents related to the contract prior to making final recommendations to senior State Department and other USG officials on outcomes from these initiatives. Incumbent is also responsible for organizing and hosting, in cooperation with other U.S. agencies, any evaluations or meetings conducted either at headquarters or Post to discuss such initiatives, as well as onsite potential bidder visits as appropriate and necessary. •Ensures accomplishment of all activities related to project, including soliciting fee proposals through appropriate channels in accordance with Department and Federal procedures/regulations. Conducts project meetings and ensures they are documented. Ensures review of drawings, specifications, and construction cost estimates and schedules by team members, and/or contractors and consultants. Coordinates review comments and transmits to the contracted A/E firm. Participates in pre-bid conferences and organizes the technical proposal evaluation committee. •Coordinates all contract actions with INL’s program officers to ensure that these contract actions remain accurate, current, and are appropriately handled from inception to completion of the contract. Assist Program Offices and Post(s) to develop clear, detailed, and appropriate requirements and Statements of Work (SOWs), thereby ensuring the requirements are clearly stated and understood by all parties, that penalty or liquidated damage clauses are clearly understood by all parties, and that USG-related problems do not occur during the implementation of the contract due to vague or unclear requirements in place at the outset of the process. Facilitate the development and implementation of a series of Contractor and Post reports that address the need for a regular flow of management information among the parties, i.e. the contractor, the program offices/officers, and INL’s senior management team. •Administers design contracts for review and approval of all A/E deliverables and payment requests. Assesses the effectiveness of contractors in meetings contract requirements. Prepares and documents performance of design, including A/E Performance Evaluations, claim documents and deviations from original scope of work, cost estimates and schedules. Reviews and documents performance in relation to original contract award amount and completion time, ensuring appropriate approvals by the Division Chief. Maintains liaison with A/E and DOS staff involved in projects in order to coordinate efforts, resolve problems resulting from project implementation, obtain and relay information, interpret project procedures and requirements, and represent Bureau/Department interests and priorities. •Develops and maintains an effective contract invoice production and review process, in conjunction with the Program Officer(s), other DoS employees, and the Contractor, where all parties involved receive the appropriate documentation and information and/or prompt payment data required to effect invoice payment or denial as appropriate, and ensure Program Officers are properly trained in these practices and services. Ensures that project files and reporting systems are maintained. Schedules, attends meetings and ensures that all meetings are documented. Monitors project reviews and, throughout project, prepares progress reports and updates plans and schedules. •Solicits approval on design project scopes, budgets and schedules and ensures that assigned design projects are implemented within approved budget. Approves, or secures approval if required, deviations from approved budget, schedule and scope and work, and documents accordingly. •Acts proactively to resolve any problems that interfere with contract progress and with the completion of the project. Identifies, investigates, and takes corrective actions on routine problems. In those cases where problems cannot be resolved within his/her realm of authority, makes recommendations to Division Chief on appropriate corrective action, and implements these actions upon approval. •Serves as technical expert and advisor to senior management on all areas of assigned projects, providing them with updates as required. Coordinates technical elements of the design and construction program with related activities, promoting mutual cooperation in areas that can be combined for more effective results. Reviews reports and papers from staff and contractors to ensure technical accuracy and compliance with Bureau and Department objectives, policies and guidelines. •Works closely with the Bureau’s management team to conceptualize programs and projects, determine project and program needs, and identify priorities based on the benefit or threat to U.S. interests, and opportunities and/or constraints to implement programs abroad. This includes identifying resources, timeframes, and determining funding and personnel requirements needed to implement programs, including program costs, funding sources, and implementing entities. Guidelines Guidelines consist of USG and Department of State Acquisition Regulations, and accepted engineering and architectural principles and theories. In addition, incumbent must be able to determine application of basic administrative policy statements concerning the issue or problem being studied, and may include reference to pertinent legislative history, related court decisions, state and local laws, or policy initiatives of agency management. The incumbent must also consider and adhere to various other existing federal regulations, and the interaction between DOS policies, legislation, the Foreign Assistance Act, and other authorization and appropriations in the INL account, applicable National Security and Presidential Decision Directives, OMB Circulars, and DOS financial operating procedures and policies. The incumbent is recognized as a substantive authority on overall management and/or interpretation of guidance on program and project planning and evaluation in a specialized area. Complexity Develops detailed plans, goals, and objectives for the long-range implementation and administration of the program, and/or develops criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of the program. Decisions concerning planning and organizing the project are complicated by the intricacy of the contract and the need to deal with multilayered concepts. Additionally, the Project Coordinator is operating in an environment, frequently at post, where he/she must be able to make on-the-spot decisions involving large amounts of money and having strategic and/or geopolitical ramifications without consultation with senior management. Projects require dynamic leadership and expertise and complex innovation, strict adherence to high level policy without lower level interpretive assistance, and the ability to single-handedly or in concert with a variety of other stakeholders resolve critical problems and achieve difficult goals that may impact on other programs. They are broad in scope and complicated by many complex features, technical, administrative, or political in nature. Physical Demands Domestically, the work is principally sedentary. While on a site visit, or temporarily detailed to, overseas, there are physical demands associated with travel to and from remote areas abroad in restrained time frames over underdeveloped infrastructure and conveyances – the position requires an above average resistance to fatigue and physical hardships is required. Extended onsite visits to remote construction and/or project sites will occasionally be required, necessitating the ability to walk medium to longer distances (hundreds of yards or more) on generally irregular dirt or stone surfaces, in both hilly and flat terrain. Those who use wheelchairs, have respiratory difficulties, or require assistance walking will find this difficult. Additionally, those undergoing medical treatment or taking certain medicines that limit their physical or mental abilities may find it difficult to adhere to the limitations recommended by their physician(s). Travel on helicopters and/or cargo-oriented fixed wing aircraft will also be required. Those with ear or other problems, who do not easily adapt to pressurized environments or higher but non-pressurized environments, will find the travel requirements of these positions difficult. Climate conditions are also often a factor. Work is often done in extremes of cold and heat, in dusty and windy environments, and frequently outdoors. Those with circulation problems or difficulties adapting to climate extremes or extremely dusty environments will find this aspect of the position difficult. II. Minimum Qualifications •U.S. citizen, eligible for a Top Secret State Department security clearance. •Extensive experience in the engineering or project management field, including mastery of concepts, principles, laws and regulations associated with the broad areas of international relations, particularly as it relates to the development and implementation of post conflict and emerging development programs. One year of this experience must be equivalent to the GS-13 level in the federal service. A Bachelor's Degree (B.Eng) from an accredited institution in Civil Engineering is desired at a minimum, Master’s Degree (MSCE) preferred. •Understanding of architecture and engineering principles sufficient to be able to investigate and provide information and guidance on the range of systems, processes, and components inherent in the design and construction of new buildings, training facilities and related structures. •Understanding of contract administration principles, regulations and procedures, including US Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), DOS Acquisition Regulations, and commercial procurement procedures. •Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, as well as the ability to interact with individuals at all levels. •Ability to multi-task, working on and bearing responsibility for several simultaneous in country projects while keeping the overall program and bureau goals in perspective. •Skill in using word processing, spreadsheet, and data base computer applications. Significant Microsoft Excel experience and expertise is required. III. POSITION ELEMENTS Supervisory Controls: The incumbent receives broad policy guidance and general direction from the Division Chief, the Executive Director/Controller, the Assistant Secretary and DASs. The incumbent proceeds independently in planning and implementing many aspects of organizational and project and logistical operations. Although acting independently, the incumbent coordinates and communicates with not only the AIJS Chief and the Executive Director/Controller, but also with senior level officials in the Department and at post, as well as senior officials in participating USG agency and foreign governments individually or jointly involved in carrying out the INL mission. The incumbent’s actions, decisions and recommendations are reviewed on the basis of results achieved and conformance with appropriate laws and regulations. Because the incumbent receives only general policy guidance, he/she must constantly depend on his/her own professional judgment to further the mission of INL. The AIJS Chief, the RM Director, the Assistant Secretary and DASs rely on his/her judgment in carrying out this mission. IV. EVALUATION CRITERIA A. Knowledge of the concepts, principles, practices, laws and regulations associated with the broad areas of international relations as they relate to the development and implementation of post conflict and emerging development programs. 20 points x ____ = _____ B. Experience in working with architecture and engineering firms, and other private consulting firms as appropriate, in order to determine project needs and to determine, define, and/or document program requirements and to manage project from inception to completion. 20 points x _____ = ______ C. Comprehensive understanding of contract administration principles, policies, regulations and procedures, including U.S. Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), DOS Acquisition Regulations, and commercial procurement procedure. 20 points x ____ = _____ D. Ability to write and speak effectively in order to effectively and skillfully negotiate with senior government and industry officials, and be adept in presenting positions in written form. 20 points x _____ = _____ E. Skill in interacting with other professionals and support personnel in order to provide guidance and assistance and to be able to make recommendations on project implementation issues which affect the post-conflict programs. 20 points x _____ = _____ V. COMPENSATION Compensation for the position will be negotiated as follows: Level of experience will dictate the salary level within the grade range. Entry level salary will normally be at the first step of the grade range for the position. However, consideration will be given to the successful applicant’s experience that is specifically relevant to the position to be filled. Number of years of relevant experience will determine at what step within the grade range the successful applicant will be compensated. Relocation expenses may be paid. VI. AS A MATTER OF POLICY, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS A. BENEFITS Employee's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave